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North American Environment Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation
North American Environment Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

North American Environment Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Environmental Cooperation

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, July 25, 2025 /CNW/ - The top environmental officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States met in Mexico City this week for the 32nd annual Council Session and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) Public Forum of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). Hosted under the theme "Nexus Between Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions in North America," the session marked a strong reaffirmation of trilateral cooperation on urgent environmental priorities. The two-day event brought together members of the Council—Secretary Alicia Bárcena of Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Michael Bonser, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin —alongside Indigenous and community leaders, subject matter experts, business leaders, youth and members of the public. The members of the CEC Council agreed to: Promote approaches to conservation and recycling in the region through the trilateral project "WaterWISE: Integrated Water/Wastewater Integrated Solutions for Effectiveness," aimed at developing strategies for the decentralized wastewater treatment, in order to treat water based on quality standards. Launch the eighth cycle of the North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA), under the theme "Community-based Circular Economy Strategies to Improve Local Well-being and the Environment," to promote conservation and recycling. Initiate the five-year review of the Environmental Cooperation Agreement with the goals of improving the effectiveness of the CEC. Ensure the Submission of Enforcement Matters (SEM) process continues to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability among the Parties and upholds the principles of objectivity, neutrality and impartiality. Develop a 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to modernize and enhance the effectiveness of our regional cooperation initiatives, ensuring a greater, measurable positive impact for our communities. Continue strengthening environmental information systems, as well as joint monitoring systems and the generation of open, reliable, and comparable data on the state of the environment in North America. Facilitate the participation of Indigenous Peoples, civil society, academia, youth, the private sector and communities of North America in CEC activities. Promote greater awareness of shared environmental challenges and identify collaborative solutions. Continue fostering collaborative work to support institutional and community capacity-building across North America. Alongside the Council Session, the JPAC Public Forum provided a space for open dialogue between the public and government representatives. Under the theme, "Building Sustainable Economies: Circular Models and Nature-based Solutions for a Resilient North America," the forum explored how circular economy practices and nature-based solutions can work together to restore ecosystems, reduce waste and build resilience in communities most affected by environmental change. The event recognized that over the past three decades, the CEC has become a vital trilateral platform for environmental cooperation; one that continues to adapt to emerging needs and challenges while remaining grounded in transparency, public engagement, and mutual respect. To consult the #CEC32 Ministerial statement, click here. For background information, speaker bios and the Session's full agenda, visit: Engage with us! If you would like to know more about CEC initiatives, opportunities and efforts, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. About the CEC The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) was established in 1994 by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States through the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, a parallel environmental agreement to NAFTA. As of 2020, the CEC is recognized and maintained by the Environmental Cooperation Agreement, in parallel with the new Free Trade Agreement of North America. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Commission for Environmental Cooperation View original content to download multimedia:

IIT-Tiruchi, NIT-Puducherry, and Central varsity of T.N. chosen for collaborative research project with IIT-M
IIT-Tiruchi, NIT-Puducherry, and Central varsity of T.N. chosen for collaborative research project with IIT-M

The Hindu

time23-07-2025

  • Science
  • The Hindu

IIT-Tiruchi, NIT-Puducherry, and Central varsity of T.N. chosen for collaborative research project with IIT-M

The Indian Institute of Information Technology - Tiruchi (IIIT-T), the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), and the National Institute of Technology – Puducherry (NITPY) are among the seven spoke institutions selected to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras (IIT-M) as the hub, in a collaborative research project on smart and sustainable manufacturing, under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation-Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (ANRF-PAIR) programme. Bharathiar University (Coimbatore), Cochin University of Science and Technology, Doon University (Dehradun), and NIT Mizoram are the other spoke institutions in the ANRF-PAIR project, which falls under Category B. The institutions will be collaborating on the research proposal titled 'Industry 4.0 - Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing towards Clean Energy and Circular Economy'. An initial grant of ₹2.3 crore has been sanctioned for one year of collaborative activities. 'Such projects will help us transmit the learning of the higher education institutes to the industry, and eventually, to society,' M. Krishnan, Vice-Chancellor, CUTN, told The Hindu. He added that the Departments of Computer Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Physics, and Microbiology would be participating in the project. The research would explore how to create convergence of physical and digital technologies using tools such as Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and robotics, among others. A senior IIIT-T faculty member said that all the departments of the institution would be participating in the project. 'We would be looking at the digital manufacturing, sensor development, and smart technologies for the research,' he said.

Workshop held to highlight Oman's circular economy gap calculation project
Workshop held to highlight Oman's circular economy gap calculation project

Times of Oman

time21-07-2025

  • Business
  • Times of Oman

Workshop held to highlight Oman's circular economy gap calculation project

Muscat: The Ministry of Economy on Monday organised the second workshop on the "Circularity Gap Report - Oman." This initiative aims to develop a national roadmap for the circular economy. Dr. Nasser Rashid Al Maawali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, clarified that the project to calculate the circular economy gap in Oman is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. This underscores Oman's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In a press statement, the Minister explained that this crucial national project has three main objectives: establishing a national baseline to measure the circular economy gap and compare it with other countries, designing a circular economy roadmap for Oman, and empowering and enhancing national capabilities in the circular economy sector for both public and private entities. Al Maawali affirmed that the project will foster sustainable, low-carbon economic development and create new investment opportunities in renewable areas related to alternative energy and the green economy. Earlier in the workshop, Ahmed Said Al Siyabi, Director General of Economic Policies and Programs at the Ministry of Economy, delivered a speech. He emphasised that the workshop aimed to review and discuss the preliminary results of calculating the baseline for the circular economy gap across various sectors. He added that the workshop also introduced accompanying initiatives, such as training programs and a proposed interactive platform to showcase project results and outputs. Furthermore, the workshop presented preliminary models illustrating the impact of applying circular economy policies on environmental and economic indicators, including employment opportunities. During the workshop, visual presentations showcased developments in the study to calculate the circular economy gap in Oman, along with a presentation and discussion of the project's preliminary results. Attendees also participated in group discussions to present and analyse models and scenarios for measuring the impact of implementing circular economy strategies and policies on environmental impact and job opportunities. The significance of the circular economy lies in its pivotal role in promoting sustainability, efficient resource utilisation, waste reduction, and recycling as a sustainable model, moving away from the traditional resource-depleting model.

African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth
African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth

Zawya

time18-07-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth

The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) officially announced the launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa (2024–2034) today. Introduced by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, and Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, the plan is designed to advance sustainability, drive economic growth, and enhance resource efficiency across Africa over the next decade. The CEAP focuses on transitioning African economies to a circular model by reducing waste, promoting resource reuse, and encouraging recycling. As a key component of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the initiative was developed with co-financing and technical support from the European Union. The CEAP offers a strategic framework for sustainable investments aligned with the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package and international partnerships. The CEAP will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, packaging, energy, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, as well as the fashion and textiles industries. Following a comprehensive approach, the CEAP will: Foster Circular Economy Across Sectors: The plan seeks to promote sustainable practices in key areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy by transforming waste into resources and encouraging innovation in resource management. Improve Waste Management: CEAP will enhance waste management systems and recycling infrastructure, particularly through the application of green technologies and local innovations. Create Green Jobs: The initiative aims to generate millions of green jobs and foster sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly among young and women. Enhance Regional Cooperation: The plan will facilitate cross-border collaboration to share best practices, align policies, and create a collective impact across the continent. Build Climate Resilience: By reducing consumption and promoting sustainable production, CEAP will help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity conservation. AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati said "The launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan is a pivotal moment for Africa's sustainable development. Through this collaboration with the EU, we are setting the stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future. This plan represents a unique opportunity for Africa to lead in the global circular economy and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on." EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall added "The CEAP is a landmark initiative that builds on the strong partnership between the EU and AU. It is an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact. By adopting circular economy principles, we can achieve sustainable development and build a stronger future for both Africa and Europe." The launch of CEAP reflects the joint commitment of the African Union and the European Union to tackle global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Both unions are actively supporting its implementation by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building resources to ensure its success across all African countries. The overarching goal, however, is for the CEAP to serve as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. To achieve this, the AU is seeking additional support from international partners, including development banks and the private sector. The CEAP was launched on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment, with attendance from African Ministers of Environment, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, UN Agencies, the private sector, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who showcased their circular economy initiatives. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.

Training, secure supply chains key to success of circular startups: Report
Training, secure supply chains key to success of circular startups: Report

Business Standard

time27-06-2025

  • Business
  • Business Standard

Training, secure supply chains key to success of circular startups: Report

Good training and mentoring, helpful government policies and keeping supply chain data secure are among key factors that help "circular startups" succeed, according to a report by Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow. Circular startups are businesses that are designed from the start to reduce waste, reuse materials, and make efficient use of natural resources, rather than the traditional "take-make-dispose" model. The research published in the Business Strategy and Environment journal offers insights into the key factors that help such startups succeed. According to Suresh Jakhar, Professor, Operations and Supply Chain Management, with rising global temperature and fast-depleting natural resources, this study offers insights into circular models that have become critically important. Projections show that global usage of natural resources is expected to double by 2050, posing serious environmental and economic risks. "The Circular Economy (CE) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) have emerged as highly pertinent topics for both academic research and industrial practice in recent years. Given that many CE start-ups leverage I4.0 technologies, understanding their success factors is crucial," he told PTI. "The findings of this research offer a roadmap for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers, facilitating the development of successful I4.0-powered CE start-ups, added Jakhar. Krishna Chandra Balodi, Professor, Strategic Management, IIM Lucknow, explained that the circular economy emerges as a viable solution through its focus on reuse, recovery of resources and reduction in waste. "However, only 7.2 per cent of the global economy follows this model which indicates that it is imperative for companies to adopt sustainability at the very beginning of their processes," said Balodi. With a particular focus on these kinds of startups, the IIM Lucknow research team studied Industry 4.0 startups which integrated cutting-edge technologies like smart sensors automation, real-time data processing and interconnection into their operations for enhanced circularity. To identify the factors that influence success of circular startups, the research team combined literature review, expert insights, and structured decision-making methods. The team identified 23 critical success factors and organised them into a practical framework that can help entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers support the growth of these ventures. Some of the most important factors that founders can focus on to help their startups grow and be profitable include -- having a clear circular business model, building the right technical skills, keeping supply chain data secure and transparent, working with other businesses. "This study reveals the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Circular Economy (CE) startups powered by Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, offering a clear roadmap for success. "After identifying 23 key factors, we ranked them by priority and found the top five to be-- Innovative Circular Business Models, I4.0-Related Technological Competency, Information Security, Privacy and Transparency, Inter-Supply Chain and Inter-Sector Eco-Friendly Partnerships, and Collaboration Across Various Functions," said research scholar Sagnika Dutta. In addition, the study also pointed to several external drivers that influence a startup's chances of long-term success. These include -- access to funding, good training and mentoring facilities, helpful government policies and demand for circular products. "By strengthening these external conditions, governments and industry leaders can create a more supportive environment for circular innovation in India," Dutta said. To help stakeholders prioritise their actions, the researchers ranked the success factors in order of importance and examined how different factors influence one another. "For instance, access to finance and physical infrastructure emerged as foundational drivers that enable progress in many other areas, such as skill development, collaboration and innovation," Dutta said.

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